Presented by the Provost, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan
A goodwill message presented by the Provost, COMUI with deep appreciation for forty years of distinguished service, exceptional achievements, and unwavering commitment to the ideals of our profession and institution, to the 40th Anniversary and Reunion of the Graduating Class of 1985.
Protocol.
Dear Distinguished Members of the Class of 1985,
It is with immense and profound joy that I extend my warmest congratulations to each of you as you gather this week to celebrate the remarkable milestone of your 40th anniversary since graduation from our esteemed College of Medicine. It has been four decades since your induction, when you were filled with dreams, aspirations, and the foundational knowledge that has shaped not only your individual futures but also impacted numerous lives across our nation and beyond.
As I reflect upon the extraordinary journey of your graduating class, I am impressed by the exceptional array of accomplishments you have individually and collectively achieved over these four decades. Your class stands as a testament to the excellence and vision that the College of Medicine, University of Ibadan has always strived to instil in its graduates. The paths you have taken, the heights you have reached, and the impact you have made serve as inspiration for current students and future generations of health professionals.
Among your distinguished ranks, we celebrate an immediate past Provost of our institution, Professor Olayinka Omigbodun, whose visionary leadership like the Provosts before her, contributed immensely to the growth of the College. Her tenure as Provost exemplified unique leadership and demonstrated how our graduates can return to nurture and strengthen the institution that shaped their professional foundation.
I also recognise your classmate Dr Abib Olamitoye, who served as a Past President Worldwide of Ibadan College of Medicine Alumni Association (ICOMAA), our Alumni Association. He dedicated countless hours to fostering connections, organizing meaningful events, and ensuring that the bond between our school and its graduates remained strong and vibrant. Through his leadership, the ICOMAA has flourished, creating networks that facilitated professional opportunities, mentorship programs, and collaborative initiatives that continue to benefit our entire academic community.
Your class has produced seasoned administrators who have risen to prominent positions in healthcare systems, government agencies, and international organizations. These leaders have shaped healthcare policy, improved organizational efficiency, and championed initiatives that have enhanced the quality of care delivered to diverse populations. Their administrative acumen has been instrumental in navigating complex healthcare challenges and implementing innovative solutions that have had far-reaching positive impacts.
The business moguls among your ranks have demonstrated that health professionals can excel not only in clinical and academic settings but also in the entrepreneurial arena. We are proud of the professors and academicians among you who are faculties of prestigious institutions worldwide. As scholars, you have advanced the frontiers of knowledge through your teaching, research, and scholarly publications. You have mentored countless students and contributed to shaping their understanding of health and medicine. Your commitment to education has ensured that our profession's knowledge and values to generations of health professionals.
The innovative researchers in your set have made groundbreaking contributions to medical science, public health, and healthcare delivery. Through rigorous scientific inquiry, they have uncovered new treatments, developed prevention strategies, and provided evidence-based solutions to pressing health challenges.
The exemplary clinicians among you have touched countless lives through their compassionate care, clinical expertise, and unwavering commitment to patient welfare. As committed professionals, you have rendered service in diverse healthcare environments, rural clinics, urban medical centers, emergency departments, and specialised treatment facilities.
Most remarkably, your class includes an individual who holds the distinction of being the highest alumnus donor in the history of not only our school but any educational institution in our nation. This extraordinary act of generosity by Professor Philip Ozuah represents more than financial contribution; it demonstrates a profound commitment to the advancement of education, research, and service that defines our mission as an institution. The donation of one million US dollars at the virtual sod-turning ceremony on 1 August 2022 also provided the impetus for others to contribute to the building of the new hostel.
Philanthropic donations from your class have facilitated various projects, supported student scholarships, funded the construction of a new student hostel block, and created opportunities that will benefit future students and faculty. Such unprecedented generosity reflects the values of giving back and paying forward that we hope to instil in all our graduates. One of you, Dr. Olabisi Oshikanlu generously took over the management of the Global Sponsor A Student Program (GSASP) of the College and her passion, commitment, and sacrifices in the past one year have transformed the program to be second to none in and beyond Nigeria.
Beyond these specific achievements, your class has collectively contributed to the betterment of society in countless ways. You have served as healthcare leaders during crises, advocates for health equity, champions of public health initiatives, mentors to younger professionals, and selfless donors towards improving the College of Medicine, University of Ibadan. Your diverse career paths have demonstrated the versatility and broad applicability of the education you received in the College of Medicine.
As we celebrate this significant milestone, we also recognize that your achievements reflect not only your individual talents and hard work but also the sturdy foundation provided by our College’s faculty, staff, and academic programs. Your success validates our educational mission and inspires us to continue striving for excellence in preparing future health professionals.
Looking toward the future, we are confident that your class will continue to make meaningful contributions to the College and society at large. Your experience, wisdom, and continued passion for service position you to tackle emerging health challenges, mentor the next generation of professionals, and lead innovative initiatives that will further advance our field.
This week's celebration is not merely a commemoration of the past but a recognition of ongoing potential and future possibilities. I encourage you to maintain and build on the friendships and professional relationships formed during your student years and have continued throughout your careers. These relationships continue to be sources of support, inspiration, and partnership in addressing the complex challenges facing our world.
On behalf of the College Management and the entire College of Medicine faculty, staff, and students, I extend our deepest gratitude for your immense contributions and honour you have brought to our institution and profession. We acknowledge your accomplishments as our alumni with pride. We look forward in anticipation to your continued engagement support and donations to the College towards enriching our academic responsibilities to our students like you once were over forty years ago.
As you gather to celebrate, reconnect, and reflect, please know that you carry with you our admiration, respect, and best wishes for continued success and fulfillment. May this anniversary celebration be a joyous occasion filled with fond memories, renewed friendships, and inspiration for the years ahead.
Congratulations once again to the remarkable Class of 1985. Your legacy continues to inspire, and your future contributions remain eagerly anticipated.
With warmest regards and highest esteem.
Professor T.O. Ogundiran, FAS, FAMedS
Provost, College of Medicine
University of Ibadan
June 6, 2025